Mickey Mousekefan

As I previously predicted, we’re getting a full week of new episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+! Here are all the upcoming episode titles and release dates:

Previously reported:

E21 – Mickey's Movie Night – 3/30
E22 – Clubhouse Carnival – 3/31

Newly revealed:

E23 – Tale of the Moo-Maids – 4/1
E24 – Daisylocks and the Three Bears – 4/2
E25 – A Dragon Tale – 4/3

Plus, there’s one additional episode the following week:

E26 – The Late, Late Show – 4/10

5 days ago | [YT] | 242

Mickey Mousekefan

It’s absolutely insane to think that Zootopia came out 10 years ago today! This film took the world by storm, becoming the third Walt Disney Animation Studios film to surpass the $500 million mark, ranking as the fourth-highest-grossing film of its year, and winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature at the 89th Academy Awards.

Filled with remarkable detail, heart, and a cast of endlessly lovable characters, Zootopia quickly became one of Disney’s most beloved modern-era films. The incredible cast, featuring Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Jenny Slate, Nate Torrence, Idris Elba, Raymond S. Persi, Alan Tudyk, J.K. Simmons, Maurice LaMarche, and pop sensation Shakira, among many others, helped make these characters so memorable and lovable. The evolving relationship between Nick and Judy tells a powerful story about how an unlikely duo can become an extraordinary team.

Over the past decade, the film’s extraordinary success has expanded the world of Zootopia even further. In 2022, the Disney+ spinoff series Zootopia+ debuted, followed by the creation of a themed land at Shanghai Disneyland. The new 4D show Zootopia: Better Zoogether! premiered at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and this past November saw the release of the highly anticipated sequel, Zootopia 2, which once again dominated the box office and became the highest-grossing animated film in the studio’s history.

If Zootopia has taught us anything, it’s that anyone can be anything and that you should always try everything.

6 days ago | [YT] | 74

Mickey Mousekefan

On this day in Mickey Mouse history, Mickey struck up the band 91 years ago, bursting onto the big screen in vibrant color for the very first time in 1935’s The Band Concert.

Directed by Wilfred Jackson, with music adapted by Leigh Harline, this landmark short was Mickey’s first cartoon produced entirely in color animation. It holds tremendous significance for Disney and remains one of the most acclaimed cartoons in the studio’s history. From that point forward, every Mickey cartoon would be produced in color, with the exception of Mickey’s Service Station and Mickey’s Kangaroo, which were released later that same year but had already been completed in black and white.

While The Band Concert marked Mickey’s first fully produced color cartoon, his true first appearance in color actually came three years earlier in Parade of the Award Nominees, a special two-minute short created for the 1932 Academy Awards.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 84

Mickey Mousekefan

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to one of my idols, Josh Gad!

Born in Hollywood, Florida, Josh set his sights early on an entertainment career, inspired by and idolizing the work of the great Robin Williams. He later went on to hone his craft at the Carnegie Mellon College of Fine Arts. He began making his mark on screen with roles like Angel in Mary and Joe, followed by his television debut as a guest star on ER.

By his mid-twenties, Josh was lighting up Broadway as Arnold Cunningham in the original cast of The Book of Mormon, earning a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album alongside his co-star Andrew Rannells.

His journey would eventually lead him to one of his most iconic roles and his introduction to Disney. During development on Frozen, an animator created a test inspired by Josh’s New Girl character, Bearclaw. Director Jennifer Lee loved the energy of the performance, which ultimately led to Josh being cast as the lovable snowman Olaf. The role earned him two Annie Awards for Outstanding Voice Acting in a Feature Production and solidified his place in Disney history.

Beyond Olaf, Josh guest-starred on two episodes of Phineas and Ferb as Wendell, portrayed LeFou in the 2017 live-action Beauty and the Beast, appeared in Mickey's 90th Spectacular in 2018, and later took part in The Disney Family Singalong and Magic of Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2020.

Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to see Josh in person during his book tour for his memoir, In Gad We Trust. At the end of the event, the audience was invited to ask questions. I was so excited to speak with him that I hurried up to the mic, but just before I got the chance, they ended the show. I was so close! Even though I was disappointed, it was still an unforgettable experience hearing him share his story in person.

Josh, if you happen to see this, thank you for being such a huge inspiration to me. You truly are a legend. Have a wonderful rest of your birthday!

(And side note, he has one of the best middle names ever. If you know me, look it up… you’ll understand why!)

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 55

Mickey Mousekefan

BREAKING NEWS! The toys are back in action, as the first official trailer for Toy Story 5 has dropped! This new look at the next installment of Pixar’s longest-running franchise features Woody, now sporting a noticeable bald spot in what may be Pixar’s boldest character update yet, a reveal that has already taken fans by storm. Buzz reunites once again with Woody as they and the rest of the toys set out on a mission to save Bonnie after she becomes absorbed in her new Lilypad smart tablet. With the help of an army of Buzz Lightyears, the crew embarks on a journey to prevent technology from taking over the lives of children.

The new film reunites the voice cast from the original four films, including Tom Hanks and Tim Allen reprising their roles as Woody and Buzz, respectively; Joan Cusack as Jessie; Blake Clark as Slinky; Annie Potts as Bo Peep; Bonnie Hunt as Dolly; Kristen Schaal as Trixie; Ernie Hudson as Combat Carl; Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboom; and Tony Hale as Forky.

Plus, the film introduces several newcomers to the franchise, including Melissa Villaseñor as Karen Beverly, Bonnie’s homemade toy first seen in the post-credit scene of Toy Story 4; Craig Robinson (The Office) as Atlas, a GPS hippo toy; Shelby Rabara (Steven Universe) as Snappy the toy camera; Mykal-Michelle Harris (Raven's Home and Disney Jr.'s Ariel) as 8-year-old animal lover Blaze; Matty Matheson (The Bear) as the tech-fearing toy Dr. Nutcase; Greta Lee (Past Lives) as the film’s antagonist Lilypad; and talk show host Conan O'Brien as potty-training toy Smarty Pants.

Some characters have also been recast, with Scarlett Spears (Wicked: For Good) taking on the role of Bonnie, and Jeff Bergman (Looney Tunes franchise) and Anna Vocino (Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts) taking over as Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head.

Toy Story 5 hits theaters on June 19th!

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2 weeks ago | [YT] | 67

Mickey Mousekefan

Wishing the most quacktastic birthday to Tony Anselmo!

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Tony discovered his love for Disney after seeing Mary Poppins in theaters at just four years old. Captivated by the film, he knew exactly what he wanted to do: work for Disney. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, Tony immersed himself in animation, studying Disney’s artistry and eventually connecting with legendary Disney animators including Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, Eric Larson, Jack Hannah, and Milt Kahl.

With the support and encouragement of these artists, Tony earned a full scholarship from the Disney family to attend the California Institute of the Arts. After a few years of study, he was invited to join Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, where he trained under Don Hahn as part of a newly established program known as the Disney School of Animation. The initiative was designed to preserve Walt Disney’s traditions in character animation, giving Tony and his fellow artists hands-on mentorship that went even deeper than what he had learned at CalArts.

Tony would go on to contribute to more than 20 of Disney’s most iconic animated films, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Tarzan, and The Emperor’s New Groove.

During his time at the studio, Tony formed a close friendship with Clarence Nash, the original voice of Donald Duck. Out of curiosity and admiration, Tony began studying and practicing the legendary voice under Clarence’s guidance. Following Clarence’s passing, Tony inherited the role just as Clarence had wished, and has now been voicing Donald Duck for over four decades. He is even recognized as the only person in history to have both animated and voiced the iconic duck.

Have a wonderful birthday, Tony! Keep quacking up a storm!

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 113

Mickey Mousekefan

BREAKING NEWS! Disney Jr. has officially given us our first look at a return to the magical kingdom of Enchancia with Sofia the First: Royal Magic!

Serving as a continuation of the 2013 Emmy Award–winning series Sofia the First, the new series follows Sofia as she enrolls at The Charmswell School for Royal Magic, a prestigious academy where princes and princesses from across the EverRealm study different forms of magic. While there, Sofia discovers she may be the most magically gifted princess in the realm and must learn to master her powers while making new royal friends along the way.

As previously revealed at the Disney Jr. Let’s Play event this past August, several members of the original cast are returning to reprise their roles, including Modern Family star Ariel Winter as Sofia, Hamilton star Wayne Brady as Clover, Project Runway mentor Tim Gunn as Baileywick, fellow Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet as Minimus, Grey’s Anatomy star Sara Ramirez as Queen Miranda, and The Legend of Vox Machina actor Travis Willingham as King Roland.

With the release of the first teaser, now available on the Disney Jr. YouTube channel, it was also announced that The Legend of Korra star Darcy Rose Byrnes and Animaniacs’ Jess Harnell will reprise their roles as Princess Amber and the beloved sorcerer Cedric, respectively.

Joining the cast are CoComelon Lane’s Mela Pietropaolo, PAW Patrol’s Kai Harris, and newcomer Aaliyah Magcasi as Sofia’s new friends, Layla, Zane, and Camila. Plus, Zootopia star Nate Torrence joins the fun as Sofia’s adorable and mischievous puppy-unicorn, Pepper!

Sofia the First: Royal Magic premieres this May on Disney Jr. and Disney+!

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 95

Mickey Mousekefan

Just in: Two new OFFICIAL Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ episodes, along with their release dates, have been revealed!

E21 - Mickey's Movie Night - 3/30
E22 - Clubhouse Carnival - 3/31

Since both of these will be airing daily, I predict we’ll get a full week of new episodes, just like the last batch in October.

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 117

Mickey Mousekefan

Wishing a Happy Heavenly Birthday to the late and beloved Wayne Allwine, a man who changed Mickey Mouse forever.

Growing up, Wayne was a devoted fan of The Mickey Mouse Club. His father was a barbershop quartet singer with a high tenor and a rare ability to move effortlessly from low to high ranges without cracking. Put two and two together, and that influence helped shape a remarkable voice, one that would redefine a character for generations.

At just seven years old, Wayne made his television debut when he was interviewed on Art Linkletter’s House Party. He continued performing throughout high school, acting in plays and eventually forming his own acoustic music group, The International Singers. The group performed at clubs and colleges across California, and Wayne later recorded songs separately with Bobby Vinton and Dobie Gray.

After high school, Wayne played guitar for Davie Allan & the Arrows on their hit Blue’s Theme. He was also an occasional Dixieland jazz drummer, performing with George Probert of the Firehouse Five Plus Two as part of the Monrovia Old Style Jazz Band.

By 1966, Wayne stepped away from music in pursuit of a more “normal” lifestyle and applied for a mailroom job, one that landed him at the Walt Disney Studios, possibly the happiest mailroom on Earth, and a place that would change his life forever.

After three years in the mailroom and a brief break from the company, Wayne was asked if he’d like to learn Foley work from Jimmy MacDonald. He spent seven years in Disney’s sound department until director and producer Lou Debney informed him that auditions for Mickey Mouse had opened, as Jimmy could no longer maintain the falsetto. Wayne auditioned through the Screen Actors Guild, and to his surprise, landed the role of Mickey himself.

Wayne officially took over as Mickey in 1977, voicing the character across television, film, park attractions, and more until his passing in 2009. Along the way, Mickey and Minnie’s on-screen romance became real when Wayne married Minnie’s voice actress, Russi Taylor. The two were named Disney Legends in 2008.

Happy Birthday, Wayne. We miss you every day, pal.

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 128

Mickey Mousekefan

BREAKING NEWS! Absolutely heartbroken to share that Emmy Award–winning actress Catherine O’Hara has passed away at the age of 71.

Over her remarkable 50-year career, Catherine brought countless unforgettable characters to life — from Delia Deetz in Beetlejuice, to Kate McCallister in Home Alone, and the iconic Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek.

For Disney audiences, she was notably known for providing the voice of Sally in The Nightmare Before Christmas, Susan Frankenstein in Frankenweenie, Kata in Brother Bear 2, Tina in Chicken Little, Morgana on Sofia the First, and, most recently, Brooke Ripple in Pixar’s Elemental. Her work touched audiences around the world and left an indelible mark on film and television.

Catherine passed away today at her home in Los Angeles following a brief illness, according to her agency. No further details regarding the cause of death have been released at this time.

Rest well, Catherine. You will be deeply missed.

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 87